Kitchen Cabinets

Finding The Perfect Counter Top Material

2010-01-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

Kitchen countertops can be made of a wide range of materials. When making the pick of which material to use, 2 things need to be taken into account. First is the strength of the material. You will want it to last for several years, without being scratched, broken or stained too quickly before you can replace it. Second thing - how does it look like? It has to look attractive or beautiful for the owner. You will have to live with this material for a lot of years to come, so you might want to ensure your choice is something you will not get sick of too soon. One of the latest trends in kitchen decoration is zinc counter tops, which resemble the coloring of bullet alloys. Other favorite counter top materials are granite, ceramic tile, laminates, wood, stainless steel, marble, engineered stone, solid surface, soapstone, and concrete. A few of them are discussed below.

Zinc - It is a popular material now, as mentioned. Zinc can be purchased in flat sheets. They can be cut to size and shaped to fit the space to create the backsplash and front curled edging. Zinc provides a shiny metal surface that will give your kitchen the look of a professional or restaurant kitchen. It matches the professional-looking kitchens that have matching ranges & refrigerators a lot of individuals enjoy.

Granite - Yet another counter top that has become popular over the last few years. The natural stone look of a granite countertop is something many people love. It has the advantages of being hard and durable. It resists heat, thus overcoming the main problem of many other countertop materials. If a sealer is applied, the material becomes almost maintenance free. The only probable downside of granite is its dull coloring, and of course its price.

Ceramic Tiles - Another favorite choice. Many say ceramic tiles give a kitchen that old-fashioned, retro look. They come in an almost infinite range of colours & textures. Since the tiles are small & installed individually, with some training, you can design & install your own countertop. Ceramic tile is hard, scratch resistant, and heat resistant. The only cons to its many pros are that: 1) a tile can be broken if a heavy object is dropped on it, and 2) the grout can become stained over time, requiring a session of cleaning grout.

Formica - A good, old-fashioned laminate choice is Formica. This countertop material has been available for approximately fifty years. Laminate is a good choice 'cause it is inexpensive and comes in many colorings. It is just another area where you can express yourself using colours. Sadly, the surface can be scratched fairly easily, and it can be tricky to finish the front edge.

Wood or Butcher Block - Yet another beautiful choice that lends a rustic look to the kitchen. This type of countertop is available in a range of natural earthy colours. It can be sanded & resealed as needed, but it can be damaged by water or heat. - 35131

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Several Kitchen Counter Top Ideas

2010-01-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

Kitchen countertops that meet the prerequisites of the individual customer are the best there is. Black granite counter tops boast of hygiene & lifelong strength, which makes it one of the most high-priced and sought after counter top surfaces.

If you hear about kitchen counter top ideas before you purchase your home or remodel your kitchen, they're probably the best. If you live in an area with hard water, a black granite countertop is very hard to keep looking nice. It is completely impervious to water so every drop sits on it and leaves behind calcium watermarks that is a constant struggle to avoid.

The best thing you can do when choosing a kitchen countertop material, is to list your requirements for counter tops & cabinets before buying. The price I would suggest is the top priority requirement. On top of your shopping list should be a budget first. Sure, the most pricey black granite gives the best quality, but if it breaks your budget then it is not urged.

Kitchen counter top price are at three levels. Cheapest of all are the laminate countertops with the fiberboard base. They are lighter (cheaper to transport and easier to self-install), non-porous (excellent for hygiene) and available in a large range of colors & styles, which makes them the best countertop ideas of modern times. Laminate counter tops give you a look that seems expensive minus the downsides of natural countertops such as engineered stones or marble. Laminate countertops fit customer requirements with a much easier installation and a good end product.

Next up in budget terms is a wide range of natural wood countertops and not so natural imitation stone counter tops. Another best counter top idea is "silestone". It is the color range from vermillion to "day glow" orange shade that makes this countertop well worth looking into. Silestone also has a warm leathery quality feel that makes it appealing. Another one of the best kitchen countertop ideas is corian - asynthetic counter top surface that can be fitted like wood but has the hard quality of marble or quartz. - 35131

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Find a wide selection of table top and counter tops leaving your kitchen a newer look.

Granite Countertops - Proper Care & Maintenance

2010-01-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

Granite is a popular material to use when it comes to kitchen countertops 'cause of its hard and non-porous surface. Irrespective of its comparatively strong ability to withstand stains and chemical damages, even so, proper maintenance is required to ensure the longevity of granite countertops. Maintenance for your countertops includes both cleaning and sealing to keep them looking as good as new for years to come. Here are some tips on how to seal and clean your counter tops without making any improper damage.

Daily Cleaning

Keeping the surface clean from spills is the first step in caring for granite counter tops. If there's a spill, get rid of it as soon as possible and then rinse with warm water. If an acidic substance such as lemon, orange, or vinegar has been spilled, this is even more important.

Everyday, you should wipe your granite counter tops with a soft cloth using a mild detergent. This will ensure any surface deposits are removed and keep your counter tops looking new for a long while. Strong chemical cleaners should never be used, because they can damage the sealant. Powder detergents should be avoided as well, as surface of countertops can get scratch by these.

Some more daily care tips:

- Routinely dust the surface of the counter - Rinse well using warm water after using any cleansers or soaps on the granite - Never use bleach or ammonia on your countertop - Sanitize the surface with some drops of a pH-neutral cleaner - Though granite countertops are frequently marketed as resistant to heat, always avoid putting hot pots directly on top

Occasional Sealing

Sealing granite tops is another important part of a care routine as the seal enables the counter tops to retain the beautiful high gloss finish. Your granite top should be resealed every six months. It is often hard to detect sealant wear, so even if it does not seem worn, granite counter tops should still be resealed twice every year.

There are permanent granite sealers, if you want to avoid the hassle typically involved in granite counter top care. Or, you may wish to consider engineered granite which doesn't require regular sealing. - 35131

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Discover a large selection of table top and counter tops making your kitchen a fresher look.

Using An All Natural Stone Kitchen Counter Top

2010-01-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

Redoing a kitchen is 1 of the most common home remodeling projects. A lot of money and time is spent by homeowners in order turn this very important room more stylish & practical. Normally, homeowners would select luxury and durability over boring & plain, but natural stone kitchen counter tops are the hot new thing in kitchen renovation.

Strength, stain resistance, burn proof, long lasting, & sophistication are what homeowners decidedly choose when browsing for a new countertop. These are just a few of the reasons why a counter top made of natural stone is a striking feature in a kitchen.

Natural stone kitchen counter tops add more value to your home & apart from that, but these types of counters are a beautiful choice for any kitchen theme. Natural stone is long lasting, tough and seen in several styles & colors, each bringing luxury appeal & extravagance to your kitchen. Through soapstone is 1 such way.

Sften, soapstone is referred to as the original stone countertop. It's rapidly getting as popular as stones like marble or granite. Soapstone is a smooth soft stone consisting primarily of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite & talc. The stone itself can be brittle, very soft to the touch and have a soapy texture to it. That soft texture is 'cause of the talc in the stone. Soapstone is extremely resistant to acids and alkalis. Soapstone counters are extremely durable & can bring a beautiful touch to your new kitchen. You'll also find soapstone commonly used widely in laboratories, fireplaces, sinks and is easily formed with common stone cutting tools.

Soapstone is very durable and heat resistant. Another selling point of a soapstone countertop is how they will not retain stains as easily as other natural stone materials. The stone is quite soft however and can scratch but these are easily removed after a quick coat of mineral oil. Deeper, ugly cuts can be sanded away easily, too. Through the regular treatment of a mineral oil or sealer, your soapstone countertop can live a long life and will hold up to the test of time. No other natural stone is as fitting for a busy kitchen as soapstone.

Soapstone counters are set apart from other stone counter tops because of the dark, rich color and its versatility when used in design. This natural stone can be found in colors of gray, blue & green, and once a mineral oil applied consistently, it will bring out a charcoal-gray color. This causes your counters to look older and much more elegant. Soapstone countertops can bring a lot of elegance to your kitchen are. - 35131

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Find Out a wide selection of table top and counter tops giving your kitchen a better look.

Narrow Kitchen Layout

2008-12-20T13:18:00.001-08:00

This kitchen is long and narrow, but they have done a nice job with the look.

The cabinets go well with the floor, and the recessed lighting and under cabinet lighting is perfect for this style.

Strunk kitchen 004 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Traditional Cabinets With Flare

2008-12-20T13:11:00.001-08:00

These maple cabinets have a very simple and traditional look, but they are spiced up with the s-curve handles and drawer pulls.

The glass door corner cabinet and crown molding at the top of the cabinets also gives these cabinets a little something extra.

Notice how the backsplash matches the counter tops. Most designers would argue against doing this, but in this kitchen, the matching backsplash looks beautiful.

Asian Style Kitchen Cabinets

2008-12-20T13:07:00.001-08:00

These dark stained, Asian style kitchen cabinets make for a very clean and modern look. The white counter tops and stainless steel appliances add to the decor.

The bamboo look on the cabinet doors is a really attractive feature that completes the look of this kitchen.

Unique Kitchen Cabinets

2008-12-20T13:04:00.001-08:00

Here is a unique look for kitchen cabinets. The red paint goes well and really makes the cabinets pop.

Black Kitchen Cabinets

2008-12-20T12:48:00.001-08:00

Black kitchen cabinets and white trim offer a sleek and modern look. Plus, they don't stain.

See photos of black kitchen cabinets from a variety of designers.

Painting a Kitchen Cabinet - 8 Tips For Doing It Right

2008-01-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

1. Remove all hardware before you start.

2. Get a high quality brush and roller.

3. Remove all doors before painting.

4. If the cabinets have a glossy finish, apply a deglosser so your paint will stick.

5. Put on at least 1 coat of primer so your top coat of paint will look better.

6. Paint the cabinets as soon as the primer dries. Paint works better on top of fresh primer.

7. Paint the middle of a door first and work outward toward the edges so the edges are painted last.

8. Several thin coats of paint look better than 1 thick coat.

DIY Kitchen Project for Under $100: A Guide to Painting Kitchen Cabinets

2007-11-07T21:00:00.001-08:00

If you are a homeowner strapped for renovating cash but want to have a new look for your kitchen, you may want to consider painting your kitchen cabinets. Painting your cabinets is an inexpensive way to give tired looking kitchen cabinets a makeover.

read more | digg story

Hilarious story about Home Depot and Kitchen Cabinets

2007-11-07T20:59:00.001-08:00

Interested in getting new cabinets??? Entertaining and funny story shares the not so great experience one buyer had when working with Home Depot.

read more | digg story

Kitchen Cabinets - what are the options?

2007-11-07T20:58:00.001-08:00

Cabinets are the most significant element in your kitchen, it will dictate the style of the kitchen, and will take the biggest bite off the budget. There are many options and styles for kitchen cabinets, wood, laminate, polyester and each have endless finish options...

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Philips DCD778: Under-Cabinet iPod Docking System

2007-11-07T20:57:00.001-08:00

I wrote about Bose’s iPod Docking Station a few days back in my post Bose’s iPod Docking Station: A clear winner. In this post, i shall be writing about yet another iPod Docking Station (Philips DCD778) which was released by Philips a few months back.Philips DCD778 according to the company is a device which is designed to be used in the kitchen and

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Kitchen Updates You Can Do In A Weekend

2007-08-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

These projects can be done in a weekend and will make a big impact in the look and feel of your kitchen.

1. Change your kitchen cabinet hardware. The majority of your time will be spent at the hardware store picking out the right kitchen cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. Make sure that you measure and study where the holes are in your cabinets and drawers so you pick the appropriate knobs and handles.

2. Install under cabinet lighting. This lighting works great for adding ambiance to the room and is very practical for adding more light for cooking and cleaning.

3. Touch up any scratches or gouges in your kitchen cabinets. Hardware stores now carry a wide variety of touch up pens in colors that will match your cabinets exactly. Touching up scratches is an easy fix and will make a world of difference in the appearance of your kitchen.

4. Paint your kitchen walls. This is a very simple, but dramatic way to improve the look of your kitchen. Go with reds, yellows, browns, or oranges to create a warm and inviting feel. Go with blues, greens, or purples for a cool, relaxed feel. Or, go with white to create that classic look.

5. Install a wallpaper border. These can be done at the top of your walls where they butt up against the ceiling, or at some intermediate point. The key is to make sure the border is level. If you are putting it at the top of the wall, this is simple. If you choose some intermediate point, mark your starting spot and pencil in a line around the room using a laser level.

6. Install molding at the tops of your kitchen cabinets. This is an easy, but elegant way to add that extra something to the look of your kitchen.

7. Change your kitchen faucet. There are many, many styles of kitchen faucets on the market, many of which will create a new and dramatic look for your sink area.

8. Install a tile backsplash. These are commonly installed above the stove or above the kitchen sink. You can go with plain tile, a geometric design, or even a picture that goes with the theme of your kitchen (you do have a theme, don't you?).

9. Put up a pot rack over your kitchen island. This helps out by giving you added storage and creates that gourmet look in your kitchen.

Glazing Kitchen Cabinets Video

2007-08-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

This video gives a short primer on how to glaze kitchen cabinets. Glazing gives your kitchen cabinets a fresh, classy look and is much cheaper than replacing them.

Common Kitchen Design Mistakes

2007-08-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

Due to "celebrity chefs" and their huge cooking areas, many homeowners have built kitchens large enough to cook for a small army.

Instead of designing a huge kitchen, it is more useful to have a layout that lets you move quickly and easily from the chicken in the oven to the salad in the fridge to the potatoes on the counter for a week night dinner.
The trend toward oversize commercial grade appliances force the scale of everything in a kitchen to be ratcheted up. Kitchen counter tops and kitchen cabinets all have to increase in size to match the scale of the appliances. This is a very costly "upgrade."
Countertops should never be more than four feet apart. Large kitchens often have huge amounts of space between counters. It makes the space look huge, but it is a pain when you actually try to cook something.

The perfect kitchen feels spacious but keeps everything close at hand. If you really want to have a sense of openness, consider a walk-in pantry. You can then eliminate some or all of the upper cabinets in your kitchen, which removes a lot of bulk at eye level and makes the room feel more airy. It's also important to create a sensible layout. You shouldn't have to take more than two steps between every counter-top and no more than three steps between the work triangle of sink, oven and refrigerator.

The Latest Kitchen Trends

2007-08-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

As sales of new and existing homes slow, many homeowners are seeking ways to make their current home more like their dream home. One of best places to start is the kitchen. It is the area most families spend most of their time and the one room where the return on your investment for improvements is excellent. Some of the more recent trends in kitchen design and renovation are:

Refrigerators are getting smaller and narrower to fit smaller spaces and budgets

More retailers are offering real wood flooring, including wood that has been hand-scraped for a distressed look

Quartz, or engineered stone is gaining on granite as the top choice for counter tops because quartz looks great and is exceptionally durable, but does not require periodic resealing like granite

Standard Kitchen Cabinet Layout and Design

2007-08-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

This picture shows a standard kitchen cabinet layout and design. The oak cabinets are a staple in many American households. The dishwasher even includes an oak laminate to match the color and style of the kitchen cabinets. Also note the appliance garage in the corner of the kitchen. It takes up counter space, but it is nice to have for hiding appliances like a stand-up mixer or coffee maker.